Bangkok: The search team for the worker who fell into a 19-meter-deep hole at the Orange Line construction project is facing significant challenges, as they attempt to safely recover the body believed to be trapped at a depth of 11.5 meters. The operation has been temporarily halted due to safety concerns related to soil stability and structural integrity.
According to Thai News Agency, the rescue team encountered a promising sign resembling a human body at a depth of 11.5 meters. However, the ground began to creak, prompting the team to adjust their plans and pause the search. The team, following their belief in sacred rituals, lit incense sticks to seek forgiveness from the spirits, hoping it would pave the way for the recovery of Mr. Sarawut's body. Mr. Sarawut was buried in a landslide at the Lan Luang Station construction project (OR06), which is part of the Orange Line's Bang Khun Non - Thailand Cultural Center section.
The rescue operation, now in its fifth day, has faced multiple setbacks. The search team, which was lowered into the mud, identified what seemed to be a shirt or cloth similar to a human body. However, a landslide risk forced them to retreat to prevent any danger from the unstable soil. Mr. Phet Phumma, Director of Pom Prap Sattru Phai District, reported that the soil at the bottom of the pile hole was unstable, leading to a temporary halt in the operation while engineers assessed the risks.
The team encountered further obstacles when a water pipe broke, requiring repairs and suspension of the operation. Despite repairing the pipe and continuing to pump water out of the hole, the search is under time pressure due to potential rainfall, which could further complicate the rescue efforts. A retaining wall was constructed to support the soil at a depth of 7.5 meters, with further exploration planned down to 11.5 meters where the signs of the missing person were found.
Mr. Wittaya Phanmongkol, Deputy Governor for Operations, Acting Governor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), emphasized the focus on safety due to the increased risk of landslides. The team is equipped with modern tools to ensure the safety of both the nearby residents and the staff involved in the rescue operation. Mr. Phuchpong Sanyachoti, Director of Fire and Rescue Operation Division 3, stated that the rescue team, comprising about 50 personnel, remains committed to bringing the missing worker home safely.
The search was recently halted again after officers discovered that the sheet piles placed to prevent soil sliding had made a noise, indicating potential risks to the structure. As a precaution, officers stopped the search to allow technicians to reinforce the sheet piles. It is expected to take all night to reach the point where Mr. Sarawut is believed to be trapped, after which a new plan will be devised to safely remove the body.
The rescue effort continues to be a race against time, with the team working under challenging conditions to locate and recover Mr. Sarawut safely.